Strictly Come Dancing contestants ‘negotiate higher fees as danger money’ due to string of scandals

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This year’s Strictly Come Dancing competitors are said to have negotiated increased payment as “hazard pay” or “risk bonuses” to participate, following the show being affected by numerous controversies.

Following the show’s unveiling of its complete schedule last week, it has faced renewed accusations as authorities have been contacted for an investigation into a new claim concerning the production of the show.

In the recent series, Wynne Evans, aged 53, faced allegations of inappropriate conduct and was compelled to issue an apology for a lewd comment he made during a press conference on stage. Initially, he contested that it wasn’t a sexual remark, but later, the BBC terminated his employment.

In 2023, Amanda Abbington, aged 51, voiced concerns about Giovanni Pernice, who was 34 at the time, for being aggressive, abusive, unkind, and harsh. Despite clearing him of most accusations, an investigation did confirm some of her claims regarding verbal bullying and harassment.

In the same year, Zara McDermott, a former Love Island contestant aged 28, was deeply affected after an encounter in the training room with Graziano Di Prima, who is 31 years old. This incident involved Graziano admitting to kicking a documentary maker, which ultimately led to his dismissal.

As per recent news, it appears that one celebrity agent has stated that other agents are asking for increased fees for their clients as a consequence of the ongoing scandals.

The insider shared with The Mirror, “Everyone seems to be a bit more cautious these days, realizing that it only takes one mistake for things to go wrong. They’ve even started using the term ‘risky pay.’

A new contribution stated, ‘Some representatives have grown cautious about proposing their clients due to the latest news headlines.’

Nevertheless, a BBC source confirmed that there have been no alterations in the process of securing celebrities for this year’s event, nor in the amounts being asked or given as payment.

Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. 

It comes as Strictly was hit with a fresh scandal just weeks before the new series kicks off.

As a passionate devotee, I can’t help but share some intriguing news: The BBC appears to have flagged the Metropolitan Police for a fresh investigation, following legal scrutiny of our beloved series.

The broadcaster initiated an investigation into their family program, following allegations that two of its performers had taken cocaine.

Based on reports from The Sun on Sunday, detectives from the Metropolitan Police are said to be investigating additional claims, according to some accounts.

Reports suggest that this latest issue, which adds to the BBC’s recent series of crises, involves the police investigation into allegations regarding “Strictly Come Dancing”. This unexpected twist certainly brings a high degree of drama to the situation.

Despite all the challenges faced by the show and its team over the past few months, it’s highly contentious that Scotland Yard investigators are now involved in the Strictly investigation.

Even though the show and its team have experienced a lot of difficulties in recent months, it’s very questionable that Scotland Yard detectives are now investigating Strictly.

‘This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.’

The BBC declined to comment on any police investigations when contacted by the Daily Mail.

The representative of the broadcasting company had earlier clarified that they have well-defined procedures and guidelines for handling any significant grievance brought to their attention.

Feel free to reach out to us anytime if you have questions or worries. We prefer not to offer additional comments on the matter.

In the run-up to its comeback, Strictly’s latest series has faced several controversies, among them disclosures that the broadcasting company engaged a legal team to investigate accusations of drug abuse involving two specific persons.

One individual under investigation for drug-related issues was additionally suspected of consuming alcohol during work hours, as a strong smell of alcohol was detected on their breath by fellow crew members.

It’s commonly acknowledged that an unidentified duo was found to have used a powerful drug (Class A), and among the Strictly Come Dancing professionals, one of them is infamous for excessive drinking habits.

Now, it has been reported by the media that the junior team members were tasked with observing senior colleagues during last year’s event, specifically looking for indications that they might have been drinking on duty.

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2025-08-23 03:48